A Gift that Guides

(Today’s story is an allegory for Proverbs 3:1-6 and 6:20-23)

On the morning that I was to set out into the world and seek a trade, my mother gave me a special gift.

“This was given to me by my mother. Her mother gave it to her,†she said, clasping the chain and pendant around my neck. “Keep it safe and close! It will guide you safely through your journey.†Tears welled in our eyes as we hugged our farewells.

As I walked through town, merchants called to me. They offered me the newest styles, promising me anything I saw—with one catch: “Just a small price, that charming pendant you wear around your neck.â€

Shaking my head, I hurried on.

A tall girl, a few years older than I, fell into step with me. “Seeking a trade, are you not? Let me join you.â€

Feeling lonely and unsure of what was ahead of me, I accepted gratefully.

She drew her arm around my shoulders. “I’ll pledge to you my friendship, but we must have a token of our good faith! Say, how about that pendant you wear?â€

My heart sank. “That’s one token I can’t give.â€

“Can’t part with such a small thing!†she cried. “Shouldn’t a friend be willing to sacrifice for her companion?â€

I was sorely tempted: she and the vendors viewed my necklace as a trinket. Why should I cling to it, when, by giving it up, I could gain so much?

But if it was worth so little, why were they so determined to have it?

I spoke without malice but without apology: “No. This pendant is no small thing to me. It is like a map, faithfully guiding my journey. If I must give it up to earn your goodwill, then I am afraid you are not a true guide.†• Jessica Kleeberger
• In today’s story, the main character’s mother gives her a necklace that symbolizes true wisdom—just like the word picture in Proverbs 6:20-23. Later in the Bible, the apostle Paul writes to Timothy, a young Christian leader he mentored. Paul recalls how Timothy’s mother and grandmother also gave him the gift of true wisdom—they pointed him to saving faith in Jesus (2 Timothy 1:1-5). Read John 14:6, 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, 2 Timothy 3:14-15, and James 1:5. Why is it important that knowing Jesus is the way to true wisdom?

• When have you been tempted to trade lies for the truth of your identity in Christ? What kinds of lies have you believed?

• When you are tempted, who can you run to (Psalm 119:11; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Timothy 6:11; Hebrews 4:14-16)?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (CSB)

Read Verses:

Proverbs 3:1-6; 6:20-23; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31